1–3
South Wind
Pageant, Zephyr? what pageant? and whose?
West Wind
You missed a most ravishing spectacle; such another chance you are not likely to have.
South Wind
I was busy with the Red Sea; and I gave the Indian coasts a little airing too. So I don’t know what you are talking about.
West Wind
Well, you know Agenor the Sidonian?
5
South Wind
Europa’s father? what of him?
West Wind
Europa it is that I am going to tell you about.
South Wind
You need not tell me that Zeus has been in love with her this long while; that is stale news.
West Wind
We can pass the love, then, and get on to the sequel.
Europa had come down for a frolic on the beach with her playfellows. Zeus transformed himself into a bull, and joined the game. A fine sight he was—spotless white skin, crumpled horns, and gentle eyes. He gambolled on the shore with them, bellowing most musically, till Europa took heart of grace and mounted him. No sooner had she done it than, with her on his back, Zeus made off at a run for the sea, plunged in, and began swimming; she was dreadfully frightened, but kept her seat by clinging to one of his horns with her left hand, while the right held her skirt down against the puffs of wind.
South Wind
A lovely sight indeed, Zephyr, in every sense—Zeus swimming with his darling on his back.
